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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Recruitment Incentive Near Dallas, TX

Qualifications:

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United State. (Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.)
• Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.
• Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist. (PROVIDE A COPY OF CERTIFICATION)
• Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet the following:

GS 05:

(1) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
(2) Assignment. DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in afunctional area. Such duties are performed under closer supervision.

GS 06:

(1) Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 05) or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
(b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
(c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
(d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
(e) Ability to learn basic computer functions.


GS 07:

(1) Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 06) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
(b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
(c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.
(d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
(e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.


GS 08:

(1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. GS 07 equivalent experiences include: see above GS 06 KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
(b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
(c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
(d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
(e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
(f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

Preferred Experience:

• Produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body.
• PACS-Ensures completion of examination by following proper procedures to transmit images to PACS immediately after the exam.
• Demonstrates safe radiation work practice appropriate for the position. Demonstrate and verbalize proper procedures.
• Infection Control. Understands , demonstrates appropriate hygiene methods and infection control.
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

References: VA Handbook 5005/123 PART II APPENDIX G58

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling ( 1 hour); Pushing ( 1-2 hours ); Walking ( 3 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; bending ( 1 hour); Both hands required; Repeated bending ( 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13' to 16' to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be permitted)

Responsibilities:

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 15, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be October 10, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply.

A Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Reviews patients' prior images to obtain additional information in order to optimize radiographic techniques and positioning. Utilizes the patient's chart for pertinent laboratory reports, nursing notes, etc. and interrogates the patient for symptoms and any other information that will assist in examining the patient for diagnostic purposes.
• Advises the radiologists of examinations' progress. Notifies radiologist of significant images requiring their immediate attention and visualization while patients are undergoing examinations. Converses with radiologist to establish requirements for nonstandard examinations.
• Required to recognize the significance of all structures that are visualized on the monitor at all times. Informs the radiologist concerning significant findings and observation. Checks results with the radiologist before discharging patient.
• On a regular basis, instructs resident radiologists and student technologists in the technical aspects of fluoroscopy and radiography.
• Processes exposed images utilizing computed radiography technique and archiving to the Picture Archive Communication System. Participates in the evaluation, analysis, and formulation of radiographic image management.
• Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate them. Screens requests for proper clinical history and pertinent data. Modifies the examination to match the written clinical history when appropriate. Maintains records of patients treated, examinations performed, types of images taken, etc. Maintains a permanent record of images in the Picture Archive Communications System.
• Maintains visual and vocal contact with the patient during the examination recognizes patient distress and intervenes or contacts a physician as needed.
• Processes digital images for PACS and to generate hard copies for medical-legal purposes utilizing appropriate technical factors in regard to filters, edge, enhancements, algorithms, etc.
• Processes patient's previous radiographs recorded on film into digital images for storage in the PACS and comparison with computed radiography images.
• Reviews new developments in the field of radiology and recommends to the radiologist those developments which would augment the operation of the Medical Center.
• Maintains the Radiographic Suites in a clean and sanitary condition. Maintains supplies, reorders supply when necessary and determines the need for new or different supplies.
• Technologist may be called back to duty under emergent or special need situations. During these periods, no immediate supervisor is available, and he/she must be responsible for any contingencies that may arise in Radiology Service.
• Subject to irregular tours of duty when patient caring, scheduling and/or patient convenience necessitates coverage outside of normal hours of operation. Employee will be given a minimum notice of two weeks prior to tour of duty changes.
• Technologist instructs student technologists on all aspects of radiology technology.
• Uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail.

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm, Multiple shifts rotating on-call schedule/holidays
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Job Summary